Battery Storage Pilot

Investing in our future: battery storage pilot program

We're working towards achieving 80% of our electricity from clean energy sources such as solar and wind. Nova Scotia is one of the best places in North America to harness the power of wind. But because both wind and solar are intermittent, they require reliable back-up energy. That’s where battery storage comes in.

Investing in new technology is key to modernizing our power grid, helping to keep rates stable, and growing our use of renewables. To better learn how home batteries can be a part of this solution, we invited eligible Nova Scotians to purchase and install a new home battery system at a reduced cost.

Benefits

Participants in our pilot program will benefit their home and the entire power system.

Back-up power

In the event of an outage, the battery can keep some home necessities running.

Green energy

Batteries provide the opportunity to store clean energy from wind and solar solutions so participants can access it when they need it.

Network of trusted contractors

Batteries will be safely installed by our trained, authorized contractors.

Choice & Convenience

We're testing the benefits of battery technology with two different systems, depending on what is best for your home's needs.

How the program works

This pilot program is dedicated to investigating innovative ways that battery storage can benefit both Nova Scotians’ homes and the power system as a whole. It’s based on efforts to lower power use during peak times, shift demand to off-peak times (like overnight), and transition to using more clean energy.

We’ll be testing how the grid can use energy that’s stored in home batteries to manage the overall electric load and reduce demand on the system. Ultimately, this can help reduce costs for all Nova Scotians.

We’ll also be investigating how home batteries can store clean energy, like wind and solar, for later use.

In order to operate the grid with the help of home batteries, participants will provide us with remote access to their battery. This will allow us to manage the charging and discharging cycles. We are also collecting feedback throughout the program to get a better understanding on how the battery is working for customers taking part in the pilot program.

battery

A proven technology

We’ve already been successfully testing battery storage at a community level with 10 customers in Elmsdale. This test phase of the pilot helped us understand how batteries can allow us to store and use renewable energy more efficiently and it demonstrated the reliability of this back-up energy technology. We've expanded our pilot to explore how we can bring more renewable energy to the grid using battery storage.

 

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Our application process is closed and all customers have been selected for the pilot. Join our mailing list to be informed of future product offerings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I learn more about the batteries used in this pilot program?

You can learn more about the battery storage options in this pilot here. 

Can I install / arrange for installation of the battery myself?

No. Batteries must be installed by our network of authorized contractors.  

What happens after I apply?

We will review your application and get back to you within 14 days of your submission.  If you are approved, you will be contacted to schedule a home assessment with an authorized contractor.     

What happens if I move during the pilot program?

If you need to move during the program, you will be responsible for all costs associated with moving the equipment to a new location or ensuring the new homeowner takes over any and all responsibilities relating to the equipment for the remainder of the term, including executing a new agreement. For details, please review the “Battery Storage Participation Agreement”. 

What if I no longer want to participate in the battery pilot before the program ends?

You can choose to leave the program before the pilot ends however, there will be fees associated with this option which are outlined in the “Battery Storage Participation Agreement”. 

Can I participate in the pilot if I live in an apartment or condo?

Yes. Customers living in apartments or condos can take part if they meet eligibility requirements.  

How much of my battery’s capacity is guaranteed for home backup?

20% of your battery’s capacity will always be guaranteed for home backup. However, we will make it a priority to top up the batteries when there is impending bad weather that could case outages. 

Is there a cost to participate?

Yes. The cost depends on your choice of battery, either:

-          Tesla Powerwall 2 (13.5 kWh) $3,000 or $25/month at 0% for 10 years.

-          Sunverge Infinity with LG ESS (19.4 kWh) $4,200 or $35/month at 0% for 10 years.

You can learn more about both battery options, and the costs associated, here.

Can I participate if I am on the time-of-day (TOD) rate?

Yes. Time-of-day customers are able to participate in the program provided they meet other program eligibility requirements, however, charging cycles may take place during peak pricing times as we work to reduce the overall demand on the grid.

Can the battery work without Internet?

A reliable connection is required for the duration of the pilot program. To receive software updates and communicate with the mobile app for energy monitoring, the system needs an Internet connection over your home Ethernet, Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. If the connection is temporarily lost, the system can continue to operate with its most recent settings, but it should not be installed in a location without internet or cellular service.

Will the battery be installed indoors or outdoors?

The battery storage options offered as part of our pilot program will only be installed indoors.

Will my whole home be backed up during an outage?

Customers can work with our team to choose specific essentials in your home to backup in the event of an outage. To backup a whole home, it would require up to 3 batteries. Visit our battery storage calculator to learn more about how a battery can keep your essentials running.

Are batteries clean?

The power of battery storage is to unlock the potential of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Wind generation is intermittent and uncontrollable; the wind blows when the wind blow. The sun is more predictable, but solar generation does not necessarily coincide with then the grid requires the most energy. Battery storage will allow these intermittent sources of energy to be stored for used exactly when the grid needs it the most.

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CONTACT US

Have questions about the Smart Grid program or products? Contact our team to learn more.